I came across an old copy of Life magazine, one article caught my attention. The best correspondents for Life magazine were sent all over the world to ask the question, "What is the meaning of life?" They talked to philosophers and children, taxi drivers and Nile River boatmen. Photographers provided images.
One dramatic photograph of a lighthouse off the Brittany Coast caught my eye. A huge Atlantic storm had sent gigantic waves around the mammoth brick structure, nearly swallowing it up. But on the sheltered side, literally surrounded by frothing, boiling waves, stood the lighthouse keeper. He was looking casually toward shore, his hands stuck nonchalantly in his pockets, as enormous waves crashed around him.
This powerful illustration reminded me of the many fierce storms of trial we face in life. And I was grateful for the promise that with God we are as safe as that lighthouse keeper. The words of Isaiah 25:4 are true for every christian: God is our refuge during the storms of physical affliction, emotional turmoil, and spiritual attack. With His protection we can endure any trial with the calm assurance that He who shields us cannot be moved. And that gives us peace no matter how turbulent our circumstances.
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Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Storms
There is an old story of the West about how cattle act in storms. Sometimes the storms took a heavy toll. They would start with freezing rains. Temperatures would plummet below zero. Then, bitterly cold winds would begin to pile up huge snowdrifts. Most cattle turned their backs to the icy blasts and they would begin to move downwind until they came up against the inevitable barbed wire fence. In the big storms, they would pile up against the fence and die by the scores.
But one breed always survived. Herefords would instinctively head into the wind. They would stand shoulder to shoulder, heads down, facing the icy blasts. As one cowboy put it, “You most always found the Herefords alive and well.” I guess that’s the greatest lesson I learned on the prairie, just face life’s storms.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:19, “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” In II Timothy 1:7, he wrote, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” In II Corinthians 4:8-9, he also wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Christians facing life’s storms together, shoulder to shoulder, encouraging one another and praying for one another, recognizing and responding to the power of the Spirit of Jesus in our lives is God’s formula for the abundant life!
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But one breed always survived. Herefords would instinctively head into the wind. They would stand shoulder to shoulder, heads down, facing the icy blasts. As one cowboy put it, “You most always found the Herefords alive and well.” I guess that’s the greatest lesson I learned on the prairie, just face life’s storms.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:19, “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” In II Timothy 1:7, he wrote, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” In II Corinthians 4:8-9, he also wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Christians facing life’s storms together, shoulder to shoulder, encouraging one another and praying for one another, recognizing and responding to the power of the Spirit of Jesus in our lives is God’s formula for the abundant life!
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EVER GROWING
Psalm 92:14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age;
In his book The Fisherman and His Friends, Louis Albert Banks tells about a man who was spending a summer near the shores of Lake Superior. One day he came upon an old pine that had been blown down by a recent storm. Knowing something about trees, he was intrigued by that huge evergreen lying on the ground. He examined it closely and figured that it was at least 250 years old. What impressed him most, however, was what he discovered when he stripped away the bark. It was evident to him that on the day the tree fell it was still growing.
That's the way it should be in the life of a christian. The years pass and our physical strength declines. The outward man perishes, but the inner man should keep on developing--mentally, emotionally, and above all spiritually--until the day we die.
How beautiful are those who grow old gracefully, reflect the loveliness of Christ within their hearts, and keep on being spiritually productive! Such people continue to develop character traits that glorify God and contribute to the blessing and welfare of others.
Like that stately old pine, we too should keep on growing--right to the very end! The new birth takes only a moment; the growth of a saint takes a lifetime.
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In his book The Fisherman and His Friends, Louis Albert Banks tells about a man who was spending a summer near the shores of Lake Superior. One day he came upon an old pine that had been blown down by a recent storm. Knowing something about trees, he was intrigued by that huge evergreen lying on the ground. He examined it closely and figured that it was at least 250 years old. What impressed him most, however, was what he discovered when he stripped away the bark. It was evident to him that on the day the tree fell it was still growing.
That's the way it should be in the life of a christian. The years pass and our physical strength declines. The outward man perishes, but the inner man should keep on developing--mentally, emotionally, and above all spiritually--until the day we die.
How beautiful are those who grow old gracefully, reflect the loveliness of Christ within their hearts, and keep on being spiritually productive! Such people continue to develop character traits that glorify God and contribute to the blessing and welfare of others.
Like that stately old pine, we too should keep on growing--right to the very end! The new birth takes only a moment; the growth of a saint takes a lifetime.
Copied
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Storms
There is an old story of the West about how cattle act in storms. Sometimes the storms took a heavy toll. They would start with freezing rains. Temperatures would plummet below zero. Then, bitterly cold winds would begin to pile up huge snowdrifts. Most cattle turned their backs to the icy blasts and they would begin to move downwind until they came up against the inevitable barbed wire fence. In the big storms, they would pile up against the fence and die by the scores.
But one breed always survived. Herefords would instinctively head into the wind. They would stand shoulder to shoulder, heads down, facing the icy blasts. As one cowboy put it, “You most always found the Herefords alive and well.” I guess that’s the greatest lesson I learned on the prairie, just face life’s storms.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:19, “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” In II Timothy 1:7, he wrote, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” In II Corinthians 4:8-9, he also wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Christians facing life’s storms together, shoulder to shoulder, encouraging one another and praying for one another, recognizing and responding to the power of the Spirit of Jesus in our lives is God’s formula for the abundant life!
Copied...
But one breed always survived. Herefords would instinctively head into the wind. They would stand shoulder to shoulder, heads down, facing the icy blasts. As one cowboy put it, “You most always found the Herefords alive and well.” I guess that’s the greatest lesson I learned on the prairie, just face life’s storms.
The apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:19, “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” In II Timothy 1:7, he wrote, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” In II Corinthians 4:8-9, he also wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Christians facing life’s storms together, shoulder to shoulder, encouraging one another and praying for one another, recognizing and responding to the power of the Spirit of Jesus in our lives is God’s formula for the abundant life!
Copied...
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Beginning
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Talk about great opening lines! You can't do better than the Bible does. In just 10 words, Genesis 1:1 answers the age-old question of the origin of the universe. But what's even more important, that opening verse introduces us to the majestic One who is behind it all.
As another new year commences, it seems appropriate to turn to the beginning of the Bible and read the account of how the eternal God spoke the world into existence.
Of course, God as Creator is just one of many descriptions of the Almighty that the Bible reveals to us. That's why it might be a good idea to use the new year to study God, to find out more about who He is.
For instance, in this great beginning chapter, we are awestruck by His power as He moves across the face of the earth, fashioning it as He wants, and furnishing it with plants, animals, and humans.
As the year moves along, why not make a special effort to know God more intimately. The best way to do this is to read the Bible every day and ask, "What does this tell me about God?" You know Him as the majestic, Almighty Creator through Genesis 1, but He is so much more. Use this year to get to know God as never before. When you open your Bible, ask the Author to open your heart to His truth.
May each of us use the time which God has given us to get to know Him better, to serve Him more fully and to walk with Him in submissive obedience.
May God bless you in 2011
Have A Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year
Copied from a church site in East Tennessee
Talk about great opening lines! You can't do better than the Bible does. In just 10 words, Genesis 1:1 answers the age-old question of the origin of the universe. But what's even more important, that opening verse introduces us to the majestic One who is behind it all.
As another new year commences, it seems appropriate to turn to the beginning of the Bible and read the account of how the eternal God spoke the world into existence.
Of course, God as Creator is just one of many descriptions of the Almighty that the Bible reveals to us. That's why it might be a good idea to use the new year to study God, to find out more about who He is.
For instance, in this great beginning chapter, we are awestruck by His power as He moves across the face of the earth, fashioning it as He wants, and furnishing it with plants, animals, and humans.
As the year moves along, why not make a special effort to know God more intimately. The best way to do this is to read the Bible every day and ask, "What does this tell me about God?" You know Him as the majestic, Almighty Creator through Genesis 1, but He is so much more. Use this year to get to know God as never before. When you open your Bible, ask the Author to open your heart to His truth.
May each of us use the time which God has given us to get to know Him better, to serve Him more fully and to walk with Him in submissive obedience.
May God bless you in 2011
Have A Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year
Copied from a church site in East Tennessee
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
How The Church Is Judged
A noted business leader once said, "An institution may spread itself over the entire world and may employ a hundred thousand people, but the average person will form his judgment of it through his contact with one individual."
This is nowhere more true than in the church. Large sums may be expended to build the church's image through radio, television, and newspaper ads. But family and friends will form their views of the church by what they see in you. They see the church as cold, friendless, disagreeable, or warm, friendly, helpful, as they see these qualities in you. Here is a type of personal evangelism which all can do; be sure that the church reflected in our lives is the church as God would have it. May each of us so live that we can say as the song suggests, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me."
This is nowhere more true than in the church. Large sums may be expended to build the church's image through radio, television, and newspaper ads. But family and friends will form their views of the church by what they see in you. They see the church as cold, friendless, disagreeable, or warm, friendly, helpful, as they see these qualities in you. Here is a type of personal evangelism which all can do; be sure that the church reflected in our lives is the church as God would have it. May each of us so live that we can say as the song suggests, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me."
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Marriage
A husband and wife reached a milestone in their marriage. They had been married for over 50 years. Their family and friends hosted a reception in their honor. The place was full to overflowing with well-wishers. Among this number were many people who were curious about their secrets to successful marriage.
Before the entire group of guests, the wife responded, "On my wedding day, I decided to make a list of ten of my husband's faults that, for the sake of our marriage, I would overlook."
Everyone thought about the wisdom of those words. Most of the guests had to admit that they had been unwilling to do that on their own. Like most people, they had been guilty of holding the faults of their spouse against them for some time.
One young lady was very curious about what the other woman had said. She and her husband had been having some difficulties recently and she wanted to do all she could to keep their marriage together. On the way out of the door at the conclusion of the event, she asked the older woman for some of the faults that she had decided to overlook.
"To tell you the truth, my dear, I never did get around to listing them. But, whenever my husband did something that made me hopping mad, I would say to myself, 'Lucky for him that's one of the ten!'" This wife was really saying that no matter what her husband did, she was not willing to give up on the relationship. Marriage is for life!
Before the entire group of guests, the wife responded, "On my wedding day, I decided to make a list of ten of my husband's faults that, for the sake of our marriage, I would overlook."
Everyone thought about the wisdom of those words. Most of the guests had to admit that they had been unwilling to do that on their own. Like most people, they had been guilty of holding the faults of their spouse against them for some time.
One young lady was very curious about what the other woman had said. She and her husband had been having some difficulties recently and she wanted to do all she could to keep their marriage together. On the way out of the door at the conclusion of the event, she asked the older woman for some of the faults that she had decided to overlook.
"To tell you the truth, my dear, I never did get around to listing them. But, whenever my husband did something that made me hopping mad, I would say to myself, 'Lucky for him that's one of the ten!'" This wife was really saying that no matter what her husband did, she was not willing to give up on the relationship. Marriage is for life!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Birthday
A few weeks ago someone asked me the question "If Jesus wasn't born in December, then when was He born and give me a bible answer?" I have to admit, I didn't have the answer to this question. During my search for an answer to the question, I discovered there is an answer to the question in the Bible although an exact month can't be found, we can determine that it wasn't December. Get your Bible and check this out.
In 1 Chronicles 24:10 we read where the priests were divided into 24 courses, These courses were for the purpose of fulfilling the responsibilities of the priests in the temple. Each course would serve for one week, twice each year, and then all of the priests would serve during the feasts weeks during the year. In Luke 1:5, we see that Zecharias was a priest who descended from Abia (Abijah). According to 1 Chronicles 24:10, the descendants of Abijah would serve as the 8th course in the order of the priests. Now if we check the Jewish calendar, we would learn that the Jewish year began with the month Abib, which corresponds with our calendar at the end of March and through most of April. Now count the weeks at this particular point, adding a week for the feast of unleavened bread (Leviticus 23:6), we learn that the first course of which Zecharias served each year happened during the first week of Sivan (which corresponds with the end of May on our calendars). There were 24 courses of weeks for the priests to serve, which meant that Zecharias had to serve a second week, and that second week in his course would be about the third week of Chisleu (which corresponds with the early to mid part of December on our calendars).
Now observe the text in Luke 1, where Zecharias was told that he would have a son named John, he was fulfilling one of the normal weeks of his priestly course, which means he was either serving in the first week of Sivan (late May or early June), or the third week of Chisleu (early to middle December).
After the angel appeared to him, and his duties were fulfilled, he went home and his wife conceived (Luke 1:23,24). Six months later another individual received a visit from a heavenly messenger telling her that she would also bear a son: her name was Mary (Luke 1:26-27, 36). Now if Zecharias was fulfilling his first course of the priestly responsibilities when the angel appeared to him, then he was working during the first week of Sivan (end of May to early June). Counting 9 months from his return home after this week, one finds that John the Immerser, cousin of Jesus, would have been born during our month of March: continue counting six months for the birth of Christ, he would have been born in September.
But if Zecharias were to be fulfilling the second course of his priestly responsibilities he was serving during the third week of Chisleu (early to middle December). Now, counting 9 months from his return home after this week, one finds that John the Immerser would have been born during our month of September: adding 6 months for the birth of Christ you would find him being born in March. Obviously the text would lead us to believe that Jesus was not born on December 25, but rather that he would most likely have been born either in March or September.
We should be thankful that Jesus was born into this world, but the center of our focus should not be His birth, but rather the death that He died for you and me.
In 1 Chronicles 24:10 we read where the priests were divided into 24 courses, These courses were for the purpose of fulfilling the responsibilities of the priests in the temple. Each course would serve for one week, twice each year, and then all of the priests would serve during the feasts weeks during the year. In Luke 1:5, we see that Zecharias was a priest who descended from Abia (Abijah). According to 1 Chronicles 24:10, the descendants of Abijah would serve as the 8th course in the order of the priests. Now if we check the Jewish calendar, we would learn that the Jewish year began with the month Abib, which corresponds with our calendar at the end of March and through most of April. Now count the weeks at this particular point, adding a week for the feast of unleavened bread (Leviticus 23:6), we learn that the first course of which Zecharias served each year happened during the first week of Sivan (which corresponds with the end of May on our calendars). There were 24 courses of weeks for the priests to serve, which meant that Zecharias had to serve a second week, and that second week in his course would be about the third week of Chisleu (which corresponds with the early to mid part of December on our calendars).
Now observe the text in Luke 1, where Zecharias was told that he would have a son named John, he was fulfilling one of the normal weeks of his priestly course, which means he was either serving in the first week of Sivan (late May or early June), or the third week of Chisleu (early to middle December).
After the angel appeared to him, and his duties were fulfilled, he went home and his wife conceived (Luke 1:23,24). Six months later another individual received a visit from a heavenly messenger telling her that she would also bear a son: her name was Mary (Luke 1:26-27, 36). Now if Zecharias was fulfilling his first course of the priestly responsibilities when the angel appeared to him, then he was working during the first week of Sivan (end of May to early June). Counting 9 months from his return home after this week, one finds that John the Immerser, cousin of Jesus, would have been born during our month of March: continue counting six months for the birth of Christ, he would have been born in September.
But if Zecharias were to be fulfilling the second course of his priestly responsibilities he was serving during the third week of Chisleu (early to middle December). Now, counting 9 months from his return home after this week, one finds that John the Immerser would have been born during our month of September: adding 6 months for the birth of Christ you would find him being born in March. Obviously the text would lead us to believe that Jesus was not born on December 25, but rather that he would most likely have been born either in March or September.
We should be thankful that Jesus was born into this world, but the center of our focus should not be His birth, but rather the death that He died for you and me.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Seasons
Have you ever notice how some people who would ordinarily be difficult to get along with suddenly become quite joyous this time of the year? Then there are others who are ordinarily very cordial and likeable who seem to become almost "scrooge-like" during this particular time of the year. During this particular time of the year it seems that almost all of our society tries to become somewhat religious, even to the extent that many will decorate their houses in a religious way. Why so? Why is it that most all the world well attend some type of religious service during the week of December 25, but never go back any other time except maybe Easter? Don't get me wrong, I think it is a good thing that many in our society recognizes the fact that the Messiah did come into this world, but I think that this semblance of spirituality falls short of what God would want from us.
There are some serious misconceptions about the birth of Christ. It comes as no surprise, as there is a great amount of misconceptions about all "religious" subjects. Over the next few days we hope to examine some of the misconceptions aboul the birth of Christ.
How many wise men do you see when you think of the wise men that came to worship Jesus? Almost always the answer will be 3, and the reason for this response is that the Bible tells us that these wise men delivered three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, the Bible never mentions how many wise men came to worship Jesus (Matthew 2:1). It could have been 3, or it could have been as few as 2, or it could have been as many as you care to imagine. Since the Bible doesn't tell us, we just don't know, and to be dogmatic with a particular number would be to go beyond what God has said.
And what about these wise men? Where did they go when they left Herod? As I just mentioned, most view the wise men as coming to Bethlehem to worship the newborn Jesus, and offering their gifts to Him, but once again this is not what Scripture reveals. When the wise men left Herod and found Jesus, he was no longer an infant, but was now a "child" who was living in a "house" (Matthew 2:11). And it is at this point that they offer the gifts of worship to Him of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And it is likely that by this time Jesus was getting close to 2 years old. You see, the wise men didn't return to Herod after their visit with Jesus, as Herod had requested. As a result of this, Herod calculated the time of the birth to the time it was then, and then had all the male children in the area from 2 years old and down put to death (Matthew 2:16). Jesus would have been in this range.
And what about the star? What do you picture when thinking of the star? Most will picture the newborn Jesus lying in his mother's arms in a manger while the wise men bow down to him, and the star is shining brightly above the manger. But, none of this is accurate according to the Bible. The star didn't tell Herod or the wise men the whereabouts of Christ's birth, but simply told them that he had been born, and then later led them to his "house", not the "manger" (Matthew 2:9-11). The truth of the matter is that the Scriptures revealed the place of the birth of Christ, and this is what these men had followed (Matthew 2:5; Micah 5:2).
Obviously it is not difficult to see that there are some discrepancies in how man relates the birth of Christ and how the Bible reveals His birth to us. Join in with us tomorrow and we well examine what the Bible has to say about the date, the time of year of the birth of Christ.
Copied
There are some serious misconceptions about the birth of Christ. It comes as no surprise, as there is a great amount of misconceptions about all "religious" subjects. Over the next few days we hope to examine some of the misconceptions aboul the birth of Christ.
How many wise men do you see when you think of the wise men that came to worship Jesus? Almost always the answer will be 3, and the reason for this response is that the Bible tells us that these wise men delivered three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, the Bible never mentions how many wise men came to worship Jesus (Matthew 2:1). It could have been 3, or it could have been as few as 2, or it could have been as many as you care to imagine. Since the Bible doesn't tell us, we just don't know, and to be dogmatic with a particular number would be to go beyond what God has said.
And what about these wise men? Where did they go when they left Herod? As I just mentioned, most view the wise men as coming to Bethlehem to worship the newborn Jesus, and offering their gifts to Him, but once again this is not what Scripture reveals. When the wise men left Herod and found Jesus, he was no longer an infant, but was now a "child" who was living in a "house" (Matthew 2:11). And it is at this point that they offer the gifts of worship to Him of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And it is likely that by this time Jesus was getting close to 2 years old. You see, the wise men didn't return to Herod after their visit with Jesus, as Herod had requested. As a result of this, Herod calculated the time of the birth to the time it was then, and then had all the male children in the area from 2 years old and down put to death (Matthew 2:16). Jesus would have been in this range.
And what about the star? What do you picture when thinking of the star? Most will picture the newborn Jesus lying in his mother's arms in a manger while the wise men bow down to him, and the star is shining brightly above the manger. But, none of this is accurate according to the Bible. The star didn't tell Herod or the wise men the whereabouts of Christ's birth, but simply told them that he had been born, and then later led them to his "house", not the "manger" (Matthew 2:9-11). The truth of the matter is that the Scriptures revealed the place of the birth of Christ, and this is what these men had followed (Matthew 2:5; Micah 5:2).
Obviously it is not difficult to see that there are some discrepancies in how man relates the birth of Christ and how the Bible reveals His birth to us. Join in with us tomorrow and we well examine what the Bible has to say about the date, the time of year of the birth of Christ.
Copied
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the unofficial beginning of the Holiday season and it has different meanings to each of us. For most it is being with family and friends, having too much delicious food and watching some football. Let’s not forget the huge sale papers advertising the bargains to be had by the early shoppers on “black Friday.” Most everyone is familiar with the story of the “first” Thanksgiving with the pilgrims and the Indians but I wonder how many know about the Proclamation issued by George Washington in 1789 which called for a national day of thanksgiving? It is a historical document that would be considered so “politically incorrect” by the misguided judges of today that it cannot even be studied by our children in school. Imagine that, a proclamation by the first President of the United States that can’t be studied by our children. Here is the text of that Proclamation:
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
Copied from Rep. Joey Hensley Newsleter
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
Copied from Rep. Joey Hensley Newsleter
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Thanks to Preachers
History has shown that the only thing that will give hope to this pessimistic world is preaching. God has alwaysused someone to stand up and preach in times of trouble.
Where there is trouble, God always has a spokesman -someone who wjll stand in the gap and preach love, or judgement if that is what is needed, who will direct our hearts and minds to the truth.
Jude 14 records how God used Enoch as his spokesperson to preach to men who were causing difficulties in the world. He had to deal with the same problems and issues we encounter today. Enoch proclaimed judgement to the people.
What would have happened to Noah two generations later If it were not for Enoch? Would he and his family remained faithful? Or would he have followed the same direction as everyone else?
2 Pet 2:5 states that Noah was a preacher of righteousness. He needed 120 years to build the ark because his full-time job was preaching. Building the ark was only done in his spare time.
What David did with Bathsheba and to her husband was wrong but he felt no remorse or guilt until Nathan came and made him aware of what he had done. Would we have known anything about David today if there had not been a Nathan? If God had not had a spokesman to go to David it's likely that we would not see him in eternity one day.
God speaks to us today through the author of Ecclesiastes, where His name is mentioned 37 times. The author of the book writes about God, the difficulties in the world and his attempts to find peace and happiness in a world gone crazy.
The book of Ecclesiastes was written by "the preacher" (Eccl1 :1 ). Solomon did not want his name or his kingly title associated with the book. He wanted readers to know that he was a preacher who had come to understand life as such, not because he was a king.
After identifying himself as a preacher Solomon declares that life is like "vanity of vanities". He found no value in his life, even as a highly respected king. At the end of the day this accomplished nothing for Solomon.
He set out on a search for meaning and truth (Eccl1 :12), which is what an effective preacher does.
Solomon used everything at his disposal to try to find meaning to life. He concluded that life under the sun did not provide the answers, but faith in God. After reaching this conclusion he taught the knowledge he had acquired to the people.
The world today needs people to acquire knowledge and share it with others.
The Church in particular needs men like the preacher who wrote Ecclesiastes. Because without preachers the same thing could happen to us that might have happened to Noah and David.
Imagine what would have hap- pened if there had not been an Isaiah, Jerimiah or Daniel?
How beautiful are those men who stand up and bring Good News to the world today.
There is no time to wait.
We need men and families who are willing to pay the cost and preach, whose faith in God is strong enough, who sense that God needs them and respond.
Copied
Where there is trouble, God always has a spokesman -someone who wjll stand in the gap and preach love, or judgement if that is what is needed, who will direct our hearts and minds to the truth.
Jude 14 records how God used Enoch as his spokesperson to preach to men who were causing difficulties in the world. He had to deal with the same problems and issues we encounter today. Enoch proclaimed judgement to the people.
What would have happened to Noah two generations later If it were not for Enoch? Would he and his family remained faithful? Or would he have followed the same direction as everyone else?
2 Pet 2:5 states that Noah was a preacher of righteousness. He needed 120 years to build the ark because his full-time job was preaching. Building the ark was only done in his spare time.
What David did with Bathsheba and to her husband was wrong but he felt no remorse or guilt until Nathan came and made him aware of what he had done. Would we have known anything about David today if there had not been a Nathan? If God had not had a spokesman to go to David it's likely that we would not see him in eternity one day.
God speaks to us today through the author of Ecclesiastes, where His name is mentioned 37 times. The author of the book writes about God, the difficulties in the world and his attempts to find peace and happiness in a world gone crazy.
The book of Ecclesiastes was written by "the preacher" (Eccl1 :1 ). Solomon did not want his name or his kingly title associated with the book. He wanted readers to know that he was a preacher who had come to understand life as such, not because he was a king.
After identifying himself as a preacher Solomon declares that life is like "vanity of vanities". He found no value in his life, even as a highly respected king. At the end of the day this accomplished nothing for Solomon.
He set out on a search for meaning and truth (Eccl1 :12), which is what an effective preacher does.
Solomon used everything at his disposal to try to find meaning to life. He concluded that life under the sun did not provide the answers, but faith in God. After reaching this conclusion he taught the knowledge he had acquired to the people.
The world today needs people to acquire knowledge and share it with others.
The Church in particular needs men like the preacher who wrote Ecclesiastes. Because without preachers the same thing could happen to us that might have happened to Noah and David.
Imagine what would have hap- pened if there had not been an Isaiah, Jerimiah or Daniel?
How beautiful are those men who stand up and bring Good News to the world today.
There is no time to wait.
We need men and families who are willing to pay the cost and preach, whose faith in God is strong enough, who sense that God needs them and respond.
Copied
Friday, October 1, 2010
Worship
Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord"..
When a person leaves a church worship service complaining about the quality of the singing, the length of the announcements, or a poorly delivered sermon, he himself may be the problem.
Getting little or no benefit from a worship service is somewhat like going into a huge department store and coming out with a 99-cent item. Literally hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise are available, but the shopper will take away with him only what he has come prepared to get.
If we enter the church worship service expecting a blessing, we have taken the first step to receiving one. If we participate with a genuine desire to hear God speak to us through the Scriptures, we will surely come away with our hearts filled. But we are bound to depart empty handed if we merely go out of a sense of duty, attend with a critical attitude, or bear ill will toward the minister or fellow members.
The next time you go to church, go in the spirit of the psalmist, who declared, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of Lord" (Ps. 122:1). Then the hymns of praise, the fellowship of believers, and the preaching of the Word will bless your soul!
To be spiritually fed, go to the worship service with a good appetite, not a bad attitude!
Copied...
When a person leaves a church worship service complaining about the quality of the singing, the length of the announcements, or a poorly delivered sermon, he himself may be the problem.
Getting little or no benefit from a worship service is somewhat like going into a huge department store and coming out with a 99-cent item. Literally hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise are available, but the shopper will take away with him only what he has come prepared to get.
If we enter the church worship service expecting a blessing, we have taken the first step to receiving one. If we participate with a genuine desire to hear God speak to us through the Scriptures, we will surely come away with our hearts filled. But we are bound to depart empty handed if we merely go out of a sense of duty, attend with a critical attitude, or bear ill will toward the minister or fellow members.
The next time you go to church, go in the spirit of the psalmist, who declared, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of Lord" (Ps. 122:1). Then the hymns of praise, the fellowship of believers, and the preaching of the Word will bless your soul!
To be spiritually fed, go to the worship service with a good appetite, not a bad attitude!
Copied...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Ecclesiastes
A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death better than the day of birth.
It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke
than to listen to the song of fools.
and the day of death better than the day of birth.
It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke
than to listen to the song of fools.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Pattern to Go By
"Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people of Thy favor, and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning,, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of Government, that there may be peace and justice at home and that, through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the Earth. In time of properity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble suffer not our trust in Thee to fail.
In Jesus name I pray AMEN
(Credited to George Washington)
In Jesus name I pray AMEN
(Credited to George Washington)
Saturday, September 11, 2010
PROVERBS
The proverbs of Solomon:
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.
Ill-gotten treasures are of no value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
The memory of the righteous will be a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.
Ill-gotten treasures are of no value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
The memory of the righteous will be a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Working
Imagine an 18-year-old searching the want ads for a job. Because he likes the outdoors, his interest is drawn to an ad about a national wildlife and fish refuge. It lists several job openings, but instead of promising attractive benefits and lucrative pay, the ad warns that the work will include "exposure to heat, humidity, rain, mud, millions of biting mosquitoes, poisonous plants, barbed wire, and hard work." The pay is minimum wage.
Now imagine that the 18-year-old is a Christian looking for meaningful spiritual service. His eyes rest on the 6th chapter of 2 Corinthians. There he finds the apostle Paul describing the highest calling of all, an opportunity to work for the Lord. But again the job description is very candid about some of the stresses that go with the work. Although Paul's experiences as an apostle were unique, his words remind all readers that serving the Lord is not one big vacation. It requires great care and effort, and it takes the highest commitment.
Yes, the challenge of serving Christ is without parallel and will require sacrifice. But we are not in it alone, and that makes all the difference. No price is too great to pay for the privilege of working for the Lord!
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Now imagine that the 18-year-old is a Christian looking for meaningful spiritual service. His eyes rest on the 6th chapter of 2 Corinthians. There he finds the apostle Paul describing the highest calling of all, an opportunity to work for the Lord. But again the job description is very candid about some of the stresses that go with the work. Although Paul's experiences as an apostle were unique, his words remind all readers that serving the Lord is not one big vacation. It requires great care and effort, and it takes the highest commitment.
Yes, the challenge of serving Christ is without parallel and will require sacrifice. But we are not in it alone, and that makes all the difference. No price is too great to pay for the privilege of working for the Lord!
Copied
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Time To Listen
Saturday evening I attended the benefit dinner for Heritage Christian University. The guest speaker was former first lady, Laura Bush. I do not consider myself a political person, but I always vote and do my part as a citizen for my country and for Jesus' sake. I was not there to be political. I was there to support the university and see what a very important person in the history of our nation had to say.
After her speech, she was asked several questions. One question in particular was, "What is something about your husband that you appreciate, that perhaps would not be known by the American people?" Her answer to this question, I believe, was the most meaningful statement of the evening.
Laura Bush stated that her husband has read the Bible completely through, from Genesis to Revelation, every year since 1987. I don't know about you, but I think that is absolutely fantastic. There are two main reasons why:
1. It is good to know when the leader of your country reads and studies the Bible. We pray for the president all of the time. We pray for the leaders of the world to seek the face of the Creator. We should be comforted when our leaders have not forgotten God.
2. It is humbling to consider that the man who is arguably the busiest man in the world still has time to read the Word of God. We excuse ourselves from the reading of the Bible because of all that is on our plate. We always promise that we will get around to studying; tomorrow, next week, or next month. If the president of the United States has time to read the Scriptures, so do we.
The key to our future, as a nation, and as a church, is knowing and obeying the will of God. If we do not read our Bibles, how can we succeed?
Copied from Pulaski St. Church of Christ Bulletin
After her speech, she was asked several questions. One question in particular was, "What is something about your husband that you appreciate, that perhaps would not be known by the American people?" Her answer to this question, I believe, was the most meaningful statement of the evening.
Laura Bush stated that her husband has read the Bible completely through, from Genesis to Revelation, every year since 1987. I don't know about you, but I think that is absolutely fantastic. There are two main reasons why:
1. It is good to know when the leader of your country reads and studies the Bible. We pray for the president all of the time. We pray for the leaders of the world to seek the face of the Creator. We should be comforted when our leaders have not forgotten God.
2. It is humbling to consider that the man who is arguably the busiest man in the world still has time to read the Word of God. We excuse ourselves from the reading of the Bible because of all that is on our plate. We always promise that we will get around to studying; tomorrow, next week, or next month. If the president of the United States has time to read the Scriptures, so do we.
The key to our future, as a nation, and as a church, is knowing and obeying the will of God. If we do not read our Bibles, how can we succeed?
Copied from Pulaski St. Church of Christ Bulletin
Monday, August 30, 2010
GOSSIP
My name is gossip.
I have no respect for justice. I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives. I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age. The more I am quoted, the more I am believed. I flourish at every level of society. My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face. To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same. I topple governments and ruin marriages. I end ministries set up by God. I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches, and indigestion. I spawn suspicion and generate grief. I make innocent people cry in their pillows. Even my name hisses.
I am called gossip. Church gossip. Office gossip. Shop gossip. Party gossip. Telephone gossip. Online gosseip.
I make headlines and headaches!
Before you repeat a story, ask yourself: IS IT TRUE? IS IT FAIR? IS IT NECESSARY? WOULD I WANT IT DONE TO ME?
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
I have no respect for justice. I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives. I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age. The more I am quoted, the more I am believed. I flourish at every level of society. My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face. To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same. I topple governments and ruin marriages. I end ministries set up by God. I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches, and indigestion. I spawn suspicion and generate grief. I make innocent people cry in their pillows. Even my name hisses.
I am called gossip. Church gossip. Office gossip. Shop gossip. Party gossip. Telephone gossip. Online gosseip.
I make headlines and headaches!
Before you repeat a story, ask yourself: IS IT TRUE? IS IT FAIR? IS IT NECESSARY? WOULD I WANT IT DONE TO ME?
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Worry
You know, it is amazing how some people who suffer a lot worry very little while others who suffer little worry a lot. How about you… Do you worry a great deal? Do you have a runaway mind that tends to gravitate towards the worries of life? In other words, are you a worrier? What does the Bible teach on the subject of worrying? The Bible instructs us not to worry. Jesus tells us in (Mt. 6:25) do not worry. In the original language, that phrase literally means stop being anxious. In (Phil. 4:6), The Bible tells us, Do not be anxious about anything.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
ISIAH
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” That famous and beloved passage is found in Isaiah 40:31.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Changes Can Happen in a Split Second
We should never take for granted what we have. All we have is a gift form God. We must realize that anything we have in this life is temporary anyway. The people we have in our lives, the places we live, the jobs we do, the resources we have are all temporary. They can change in a moments notice. One day, one minute, one second our life can be one way, and in a split second it can be changed. The uncertainty of life is all the more reason why we need to cling to our daily walk with Christ. That time with Him in prayer, in the Word, helps us to keep our focus on the big picture so that no matter how the winds of life may blow, we are anchored to the Rock.
I do not mean to scare you today, or try to intimidate you in anyway into getting more serious about your walk with Jesus. I am simply trying to point out that so often we get comfortable in our life. We begin to take the blessings of God for granted. We get apathetic about the things that go on around us. In that process, we let our guard down and forget how dependent upon the Lord we really are. We forget that without Him, "we can do nothing"! We lose sight of the fact that He, not we, are in control of the things that go on around us. The storms of life can happen at any moment, and without warning. It is imperative that we always be prepared. Not in a paranoid sense of waiting for bad things to happen, but prepared spiritually knowing that no matter what happens, God is still on the throne. He is always in control. He permits and allows the things that happen to us happen. The logical question is why? The only legitimate answer is nobody knows but God. We must trust Him that no matter what, He has His plan and purpose at work, and it is our job to exercise our faith and trust in Him at all times.
For those that have had major, life-changing experiences recently, let me encourage you. The same God who has walked with you in the past, is the same God who will walk with you today. The same God that has delivered you from trouble before, is the same God who will deliver you from trouble today. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Now is the time to press into Him. Get closer to the Lord than ever before. He is our only refuge in times of trouble. His promises are true, and He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Jesus warned His disciples just hours before going to the cross that in this world they would have tribulation. He than encouraged them by telling them to "be of good cheer, for I have overcome this world." Amen! What a promise. That means no matter what you are facing in your life today, Christ has overcome that circumstance or situation. He has already won the victory. He will ALWAYS have the final word in every situation. Never forget, if you have accepted Jesus Christ by faith, and obedience to the Gospel, the Bible says that it is no longer your life any longer. It belongs to Him. So be prepared. Know that change can come at any second. Know that the unexpected will happen. Do not fear it, but embrace it since it is all part of God's plan. After all, our life is a life of service to our King. We need to be spiritually mature enough to pray as our Lord taught us, "not my will, but thy will be done."
Copied
I do not mean to scare you today, or try to intimidate you in anyway into getting more serious about your walk with Jesus. I am simply trying to point out that so often we get comfortable in our life. We begin to take the blessings of God for granted. We get apathetic about the things that go on around us. In that process, we let our guard down and forget how dependent upon the Lord we really are. We forget that without Him, "we can do nothing"! We lose sight of the fact that He, not we, are in control of the things that go on around us. The storms of life can happen at any moment, and without warning. It is imperative that we always be prepared. Not in a paranoid sense of waiting for bad things to happen, but prepared spiritually knowing that no matter what happens, God is still on the throne. He is always in control. He permits and allows the things that happen to us happen. The logical question is why? The only legitimate answer is nobody knows but God. We must trust Him that no matter what, He has His plan and purpose at work, and it is our job to exercise our faith and trust in Him at all times.
For those that have had major, life-changing experiences recently, let me encourage you. The same God who has walked with you in the past, is the same God who will walk with you today. The same God that has delivered you from trouble before, is the same God who will deliver you from trouble today. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Now is the time to press into Him. Get closer to the Lord than ever before. He is our only refuge in times of trouble. His promises are true, and He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Jesus warned His disciples just hours before going to the cross that in this world they would have tribulation. He than encouraged them by telling them to "be of good cheer, for I have overcome this world." Amen! What a promise. That means no matter what you are facing in your life today, Christ has overcome that circumstance or situation. He has already won the victory. He will ALWAYS have the final word in every situation. Never forget, if you have accepted Jesus Christ by faith, and obedience to the Gospel, the Bible says that it is no longer your life any longer. It belongs to Him. So be prepared. Know that change can come at any second. Know that the unexpected will happen. Do not fear it, but embrace it since it is all part of God's plan. After all, our life is a life of service to our King. We need to be spiritually mature enough to pray as our Lord taught us, "not my will, but thy will be done."
Copied
Thursday, August 12, 2010
DRIVING
One of the things most of us do each day is drive a car. It is the way we get around to do the things we do each day. Rarely, do we think twice about driving, it is just part of our life and something we do, almost instinctively. I am convinced from the Word of God, that there is no disease, no accident, not even a bullet that can take the life of one of God's children until that person's work here on earth is finished. Having said that, we are still responsible to be alert and to use the common sense the Lord gave us in our daily lives. That includes driving.
I doubt we ever really focus on the actual dangers we face when we get behind the wheel. First of all, seatbelts are a safety mechanism that have been proven to save lives. I don't care if you are going across the country, or across the block...WEAR YOUR SEATBELTS!!!! Also, remember why you are driving. It is to get you from point A to point B. It is not to listen to the radio, it is not to put on make-up, it is not to eat and drink, it is not to talk on the phone. There is nothing wrong with listening to the radio or tape deck, however set it up before you actually start driving. Do your make-up at home, not in the car. Eat at home or at your destination, not in the car. Take a break from the phone in the car. Why do I say this? Simple, Any of these activities while driving takes away from your ability to fully concentrate on driving your car, and takes away from your ability to focus on what is happening around you. Even if you are the best driver in the world, the problem is there are others on the road who may not be. Never forget. Every time you get in your car, you are putting your life in the hands of those other drivers. You are trusting them to drive safe and obey the rules. In all honesty, you often put more faith in strangers you have never met, than you do in God.
This Devotional is not meant to scare you, or to make you afraid to drive your car. Quite the opposite. It is intended to make you aware of one of the potential dangers you face each day, and to realize how important it is for you to be alert and focused every time you are driving. God has a wonderful plan for your life. We have a very real enemy out there that would love to hurt us. That is why we can never take things for granted, and must always remember that God is our protector and shield. We can not always avoid accidents in life, and we often have no good answers why those things happen. Our responsibility though is to do our best to not be the cause of an accident by being careless or not paying attention. Driving is an important part of our life and can also be very dangerous. Concentrating and being fully aware of the responsibility we have each time we drive a car is of utmost importance to protecting your safety as well as the safety of the other drivers you encounter on the road.
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I doubt we ever really focus on the actual dangers we face when we get behind the wheel. First of all, seatbelts are a safety mechanism that have been proven to save lives. I don't care if you are going across the country, or across the block...WEAR YOUR SEATBELTS!!!! Also, remember why you are driving. It is to get you from point A to point B. It is not to listen to the radio, it is not to put on make-up, it is not to eat and drink, it is not to talk on the phone. There is nothing wrong with listening to the radio or tape deck, however set it up before you actually start driving. Do your make-up at home, not in the car. Eat at home or at your destination, not in the car. Take a break from the phone in the car. Why do I say this? Simple, Any of these activities while driving takes away from your ability to fully concentrate on driving your car, and takes away from your ability to focus on what is happening around you. Even if you are the best driver in the world, the problem is there are others on the road who may not be. Never forget. Every time you get in your car, you are putting your life in the hands of those other drivers. You are trusting them to drive safe and obey the rules. In all honesty, you often put more faith in strangers you have never met, than you do in God.
This Devotional is not meant to scare you, or to make you afraid to drive your car. Quite the opposite. It is intended to make you aware of one of the potential dangers you face each day, and to realize how important it is for you to be alert and focused every time you are driving. God has a wonderful plan for your life. We have a very real enemy out there that would love to hurt us. That is why we can never take things for granted, and must always remember that God is our protector and shield. We can not always avoid accidents in life, and we often have no good answers why those things happen. Our responsibility though is to do our best to not be the cause of an accident by being careless or not paying attention. Driving is an important part of our life and can also be very dangerous. Concentrating and being fully aware of the responsibility we have each time we drive a car is of utmost importance to protecting your safety as well as the safety of the other drivers you encounter on the road.
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Is This Me ?
Somewhere along the way, we have missed the very essence of the Christian concept and the result is that we have the greatest accumulation of unused talent and the richest deposit of untouched ability of any group of people on earth. If we are going to be honest in our plea of restoration, it is time that we began to revolutionize our thinking so that every soldier will don the armor and every child of God will be active in ministering. Let’s quit being spectators and “get where the action is.”
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Old Glory
I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings,
I stand watch in America's halls of justice,
I fly majestically over institutions of learning,
I stand guard with power in the world.
I am with pride with every U.S. soldier, deceased and living.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings,
I stand watch in America's halls of justice,
I fly majestically over institutions of learning,
I stand guard with power in the world.
I am with pride with every U.S. soldier, deceased and living.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Choice
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt 7:13-14).
In our text our Lord points out two ways—one right and one wrong. Rest assured there is not a third choice. Each one of us is traveling one of these ways, thus we are either right or we are wrong. Some would not dare admit that they could possibly be wrong, but their actions prove this to be the case.
Let us first of all look at the broad way with the wide gate. It is evident from the description given that this is an easy way. There is no seeking involved; it is just a matter of following the crowd, going along to get along. It is evident that this is a very popular way because the Lord said, “…and there are many who go in by it.”. In trying to defend their actions, people have been heard to say, “How can so many be wrong?” Rather than basing their decisions on truth and right, they base what they do on what the majority is doing. It seems that far too many want to follow the “popular” path. This way is filled with worldly pleasure. Moses could have followed this course in life, but he chose “…rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25). Moses was more concerned about the future than he was the “here and now.” Sad to say, most people’s thoughts are in the opposite direction. The way under consideration is a way of liberty. Those who walk in this way can do as they please. They can believe anything and everything that they want to believe. There are really no restraints at all—one can do as he pleases.
I hope this will help someone make the right choice.
In our text our Lord points out two ways—one right and one wrong. Rest assured there is not a third choice. Each one of us is traveling one of these ways, thus we are either right or we are wrong. Some would not dare admit that they could possibly be wrong, but their actions prove this to be the case.
Let us first of all look at the broad way with the wide gate. It is evident from the description given that this is an easy way. There is no seeking involved; it is just a matter of following the crowd, going along to get along. It is evident that this is a very popular way because the Lord said, “…and there are many who go in by it.”. In trying to defend their actions, people have been heard to say, “How can so many be wrong?” Rather than basing their decisions on truth and right, they base what they do on what the majority is doing. It seems that far too many want to follow the “popular” path. This way is filled with worldly pleasure. Moses could have followed this course in life, but he chose “…rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25). Moses was more concerned about the future than he was the “here and now.” Sad to say, most people’s thoughts are in the opposite direction. The way under consideration is a way of liberty. Those who walk in this way can do as they please. They can believe anything and everything that they want to believe. There are really no restraints at all—one can do as he pleases.
I hope this will help someone make the right choice.
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